Constant Bluetooth audio dropouts on M1 Pro 14 inch

[unfunfionn]

I've had my M1 Pro for a few weeks and I've been having issues with Bluetooth audio dropouts on my AirPods Pro and my Sony XM4 over-ears. I didn't use headphones much at first, but I'm doing it more often this week and this issue has become really noticeable. I'm not talking about longer disconnections, I'm talking about split-second drops happening every few minutes, but sometimes multiple times a minute. It's very very annoying. There are no audio issues when I use the speakers or wired headphones, so I know it's Bluetooth.

Has anybody else been experiencing something similar, and can somebody offer tips on how to troubleshoot it?

 

[macaum]

Yes I have the same issue with my Sony WH1000XM4 on Bluetooth and my new MBP 14 M1.

Every 15 to 20 seconds there's a slight pause (or drop) in the audio when in games. YouTube audio seems to be fine.

Any idea's?

 

[macaum]

Update: Disabling Airplay sharing seems to fix it.

(Workaround on pg.1) Monterey on 2020 Intel MBP - Bluetooth Audio Issues (Crackling, cut outs)

EDIT: Please see the suggestion from alump to disable Airplay Receiver under "Sharing" in your settings as a temporary workaround. Hi everyone, I'm trying to verify if this is a problem with only my install/accessories or if others are experiencing similar issues after upgrading from Big Sur to...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[El_Capitan]

I've had my M1 Pro for a few weeks and I've been having issues with Bluetooth audio dropouts on my AirPods Pro and my Sony XM4 over-ears. I didn't use headphones much at first, but I'm doing it more often this week and this issue has become really noticeable. I'm not talking about longer disconnections, I'm talking about split-second drops happening every few minutes, but sometimes multiple times a minute. It's very very annoying. There are no audio issues when I use the speakers or wired headphones, so I know it's Bluetooth.

Has anybody else been experiencing something similar, and can somebody offer tips on how to troubleshoot it?

I'm having the same issue on my MacBook Air M1 and it's driving me insane. I'll try to turn the airplay sharing off as the last resort but as I use this feature relatively often this is not a fix I will be happy with - if it even works.

 

[El_Capitan]

Even with Airplay sharing turned off this issue still persists when I have additional bluetooth devices added.

It amazes me how horrendous the wireless experience is on my MacBook Air. This takes away a huge chunk of functionality away from it and I cannot believe I am saying this but I am thinking of abandoning the Apple eco-system and switching to Windows.

Does anyone else have these issues? Would reinstalling help? Any other suggestions before I get pushed to quit the platform I was actively and professionally using and promoting since 1990's?

 

[project_2501]

This is disappointing that it has continued into the M1 range from Intel.

Even on my 2015 MBP 15" I have constant problems with disconnects, or degraded audio when moving away*, when using bluetooth Bose QC35s.

This has happened over 2-3 years with the QC35-I and QC35-II, and over several macOS versions.

The same headphones never have problems with my several Android phones, or a work Windows laptop.

I have occasionally submitted bug reports to apple (feedback page) but of course never get a reply.

---

* doesn't happen with my Android phone, nor my Windows laptop, almost as if the MacBook bluetooth range is poor, or the switching to lower bitrates with weaker signal doesn't work

 

[rmgbenschop]

No issues on my side, using my AirPods 2nd gen and AirPods Max on a daily basis.

The first thing that comes to mind is are you using 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi?

 

[El_Capitan]

No issues on my side, using my AirPods 2nd gen and AirPods Max on a daily basis.

The first thing that comes to mind is are you using 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi?

It's on 5GHz and today I had an extremely frustrating user experience while using the HotSpot from my iPhone and having only wireless headphones plus Apple Magic Mouse connected.

Everything works as new when connected to any of the other devices I own.

 

[project_2501]

No issues on my side, using my AirPods 2nd gen and AirPods Max on a daily basis.

The first thing that comes to mind is are you using 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi?

does it interfere with bluetooth?

 

[mj_]

I have a USB-C dock from China that basically kills all Bluetooth communication as soon as it's connected. I use it occasionally to connect the Air M1 via HDMI to my TV, and whenever I do I know not to use wireless input devices or headphones.

Make sure you don't have any USB peripherals connected as those are known to cause issues with Bluetooth connectivity if their cable shiedling is inadequate.

 

[El_Capitan]

I have a USB-C dock from China that basically kills all Bluetooth communication as soon as it's connected. I use it occasionally to connect the Air M1 via HDMI to my TV, and whenever I do I know not to use wireless input devices or headphones.

Make sure you don't have any USB peripherals connected as those are known to cause issues with Bluetooth connectivity if their cable shiedling is inadequate.

Thanks. I have nothing connected. MacBook Air is on its own. I got the internet through my iPhone's hotspot - wirelessly. I got the Magic Mouse connected to it and the bluetooth headphones. That is my standard setup.

Yesterday it was unusable, today it works without issues. Almost the same setup. Only difference is I got WiFi through my Android phone today instead of my iPhone.

 

[mr_roboto]

does it interfere with bluetooth?

2.4 GHz WiFi uses the same chunk of unlicensed RF spectrum as Bluetooth, so there's at least potential for interference between the two.

 

[project_2501]

2.4 GHz WiFi uses the same chunk of unlicensed RF spectrum as Bluetooth, so there's at least potential for interference between the two.

thanks

but its a puzzle why it doesn't happen when using my Thinkpad or Android phone as audio source - only my MacBook.

 

[mj_]

Yesterday it was unusable, today it works without issues. Almost the same setup. Only difference is I got WiFi through my Android phone today instead of my iPhone.

If I'm not mistaken the iOS hotspot uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi exclusively. Maybe your Android phone uses 5 GHz instead? Or maybe it uses a different channel within the 2.4 GHz band that doesn't interfere with Bluetooth. Could be many things indeed. Next time when going online through your iPhone try using a cable instead and see if it improves.

but its a puzzle why it doesn't happen when using my Thinkpad or Android phone as audio source - only my MacBook.

Better shiedling? ?‍♂️

 

[El_Capitan]

If I'm not mistaken the iOS hotspot uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi exclusively.

This sounds plausible although I believe my Android phone also supports the same frequency. I believe there's some interference within the Apple eco-system, a conflict between the services (Hand off, airdrop etc.)

 

[El_Capitan]

Anyway... since I've been avoiding "risky behavior" eg. using my iPhone's hotspot and such - bluetooth started working better. I really like this laptop for its form factor and all and I've decided not to sell it. Hopefully they fix these conflicts in future updates, for now I can survive with imperfect workarounds.